Update: Winter storm results in 305 crashes in Virginia, 24 with injuries, no fatalities

Heavy snow continues to blanket Virginia, and State Police report that deteriorating conditions from the winter storm have resulted in more than 300 crashes since midnight.

There have been 305 crashes as of 4 p.m. including 24 injury crashes across the state. There have been no fatalities reported. As of noon, Virginia State Police reported 73 crashes with four injuries reported.

VSP continue to urge drivers to stay off the roads during the storm, allowing the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews space to work.

ICYMI

Virginia State Police: 73 crashes, four injuries reported in winter storm

Winter storm crash breakdown

• Appomattox division: 36 crashes, three with injuries, covers central/western Virginia (Charlottesville, Staunton, Lynchburg, South Boston)
• Division 1: 46 crashes, five with injuries, includes the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and the counties of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Essex, Goochland, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Louisa, New Kent, Northumberland, Nottoway, Prince George, Powhatan, Richmond and Westmoreland
• Wytheville division: 68 crashes, three with injuries, covers southwestern Virginia
• Fairfax division: 11 crashes, two with injuries, includes most of Northern Virginia

If you must travel in the winter storm, drivers should:

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with VDOT to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
• Buckle up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
• Check your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

For the latest road conditions, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to www.511virginia.org